Il Giardino Armonico

The Virgin's Lament - Il Giardino Armonico, Antoni 4781466

Although very different in character, this release easily ranks with the excellence of Il Giardino Armonico's Vivaldi album of ten years ago . . . Recorded sound is full and detailed, while Antonini's and Cesare Fertonani's notes connect all the dots for the listener, thus making "Il pianto di Maria" ("The Virgin's Lament") not only a pleasurable listening experience but a fully cohesive one.

Record Review /
Robert Levett,
International Record Review (London) / 01. June 2009

Fink sings these all with fervour and unassuming charm, supported by the sensitive playing of Il Giardino Armonico . . . A satisfying issue, imaginatively devised and excellently performed.

A rather fabulous entry in that sub-culture of programme albums. Some of the most rewarding discs of recent years have explored a central theme with admirable scholarship and dedicated performances and this is one such. Holy Week is the linking motif. The star turn, in every way, is Bernarda Fink, who seems to throw her soul into everything she does here. What an artist! . . . [she sings] with an affecting mixture of restraint and passion . . . The instrumental pieces are done well, and this well planned disc is very desirable.